Mairbek Taisumov, one of the UFC’s fastest rising lightweight contenders, is hoping to set himself up with a big step up in competition. On Tuesday, the surging Russian knockout artist took to Twitter to call out long-time lightweight contender Edson Barboza.

“Tired of talking but the fans asked for this fight, I’m ready anytime,” Taisumov said in his Tweet. “Are you ready, [Edson Barboza]?”

Mairbek Taisumov is currently on a five-fight win-streak, having knocked out the last five men he’s stepped into the Octagon with – all in the first or second round. The recent casualties of his fight-ending punching power are Marcin Bandel, Anthony Christodoulou, Alan Patrick, Damir Hadzovic, and most recently, Felipe Silva. The Russian is 27-5 overall, and 6-1 since joining the UFC roster. 

Barboza (19-4), meanwhile, is currently on a three fight streak, having recently bested former UFC lightweight champ Anthony Pettis and former Strikeforce champ Gilbert Melendez by decision, and knocked Beneil Dariush out in a clear 2017 knockout of the year contender. He has not lost since he was submitted in a thrilling war with UFC 216’s Tony Ferguson.

Edson Barboza is not the first top UFC lightweight Mairbek Taisumov has called out. He’s also recently called out Nate Diaz and Pettis.

Do you want to see Mairbek Taisumov and Edson Barboza fight? If they meet in the Octagon, who do you think wins?

This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 10/4/2017.